- by Joanne F. Haney, Coordinator of Elementary and Sacramental Catechesis
My youngest granddaughter, Mackenna, age 6, is very curious and at the age where she is always asking questions. You never know what she is going to ask next, so you prepare yourself not to look or act surprised. Recently, she asked me, “G, why are you always nice to people?”
I quickly responded, “Because that is what Jesus wants us to do.” Then I asked her, “Do you like people to be nice to you?” She said, “Yes.”
So I said, “We are supposed to treat people the way we want to be treated.” That was the end of Theology 101 for that day, but her question has been “running through my mind” ever since. Yes, it is really as basic as that...the Golden Rule. But these days it seems to have lost some of its glitter.
I began to wonder, how do we measure our treatment of others? What does this say to our children or grandchildren? What do our children or grandchildren experience in their daily lives? How do they respond?
On the news we hear of young men, women and children being killed in war. We listen to stories of bullying, people stealing other people’s money, a young child being killed in a hit and run, in financial desperation people killing their family members, and children at age 10 being encouraged to engage in sex, drugs or alcohol. Not quite the “loving” examples we wish to share with our children.
But all is not lost. In Chapter 15 of the Gospel of John, Jesus instructs his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in His love...This I command you: love one another.” Jesus explains how He loves us. He tells us all we have to do to remain in His love is to love one another. Jesus clearly speaks His new commandment for us: “Love one another as I love you.” He doesn’t mince words. It’s very clear what we are to do, but the challenge is following through.
When John, the beloved disciple, was advanced in age, he preached a message consisting of only five words: “Little children, love one another.” His words, though brief, emphasize the same message. How will you demonstrate the Golden Rule to your children or grandchildren today, tomorrow, next week, next month? Will you emanate the love of Jesus? It really is up to you to lead the way.
Books to read or stories to share
Ages 4-8
Araboolies of Liberty Street by Sam Swope
The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper
The Golden Rule (My Favorite Verses) by Jane Dippold
Grody's Not So Golden Rules by Nicole Rubel
The Lotus Seed by Sherry Garland
Ages 9-12
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
I Can Make My World a Safer Place: A Kid's Book About Stopping Violence by Paul Kivel
Peace Tales by Margaret MacDonald
Spinning Tales, Weaving Hope: Stories, Storytelling, and Activities for Peace, Justice and the Environment by Ed Brody
Adult
How Would Jesus Raise Your Child? by Dr. Teresa Whitehurst
Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde
The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child's Heart for Eternity by Sally Clarkson
